#11 // Independence in Journalism

What does it mean to be independent as a citizen journalist or blogger? Why is independence considered one of the most fundamental precepts in journalism?

1. Its practitioners must maintain an independence from those they cover

Independence is an underlying requirement of journalism, a cornerstone of its reliability. Independence of spirit and mind, rather than neutrality, is the principle journalists must keep in focus. While editorialists and commentators are not neutral, the source of their credibility is still their accuracy, intellectual fairness and ability to inform–not their devotion to a certain group or outcome. In our independence, however, we must avoid any tendency to stray into arrogance, elitism, isolation or nihilism.

And 2. They must serve as an independent monitor of power

Journalism has an unusual capacity to serve as watchdog over those whose power and position most affect citizens. The Founders recognized this to be a rampart against despotism when they ensured an independent press; courts have affirmed it; citizens rely on it. As journalists, we have an obligation to protect this watchdog freedom by not demeaning it in frivolous use or exploiting it for commercial gain.

(http://www.journalism.org/resources/principles-of-journalism/)

This article gives a good overview of how to create a complete journalistic profile using a “Independence and the guide:”

http://www.poynter.org/uncategorized/2128/the-ethics-of-civic-journalism-independence-as-the-guide/

Oh hey also, watch this seven minute video. It rules:

http://www.kcnn.org/principles/independence_in_journalism

#10// Media & Religion

For starters… This is a cool article that has been spreading through facebook feeds today:

http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/major-new-study-of-religion-has-much-to-say-about-mormons

But I just like that because I love being Mormon and I love even more when other people love it too!

For seconders… Im taking the majority of my blog from this article from Desert News

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865588254/How-social-and-digital-media-are-changing-religion.html?pg=all

In this article it talks about how religious leaders are following suit and using social media to get their ideas and beliefs out. According to a 2013 Twiplomacy Study done by Burson-Marsteller, Pope Francis is now ranked as the most influential Twitter user based on the average number of retweets he receives from his six accounts in different languages. The POPE! On twitter?! And I assumed it would be Snooki… Regardless, by posting spiritual thoughts instead of just scripture, pastors make themselves a part of the conversation. And isn’t that how you influence people? By not just being the topic of conversation… but by joining it? My hats off to you, Pope. You’re sixty million followers and influences ahead of me.  

Our church is slowly catching up with this media stream in religion. Starting with the “I am a Mormon” youtube channel, they have created an easier environment for those who aren't usually involved with religion and ups the interest level of the average web surfer. I mean, what better missionary work is there?! And who would have thought that the gathering of Israel could have gone cyber.